Preventing Preterm Birth

Every Day Counts, A Guide to Understanding and Preventing Preterm Birth
You’re going to have a baby! Like most expectant mothers, you may be having mixed feelings. You may feel both excited and afraid. This is especially true if you have risk factors for having a preterm (premature) baby. It may also be true if you have no risk factors but are having symptoms of preterm labor or more than a normal amount of contractions. If you find yourself in either of these situations, this article was written for you. It will explain:
~what preterm birth is and why you should try to prevent it
~risk factors for preterm birth
~how to prevent or delay preterm birth

Each week that preterm birth is delayed or prevented gives your baby valuable time to grow and mature. That time will increase his chances of being born healthy and can decrease the problems a preterm birth can bring. Following your doctor’s instructions and the guidelines in this article may help you delay or prevent a preterm birth.

This article tells about the risk factors associated with preterm birth and what you can do to help carry your baby to full term. This article is not intended to replace the advice of your perinatologist, ob/gyn, or any member of your health care team.

Read all you can about pregnancy. The more you know, the better and more amazing the experience.

There is a lot of information in this article. Use the Table of Contents below to find information you need to know or want to learn right away. Then take your time reading the rest. There are many questions that we suggest you ask your doctor about your pregnancy. Print them out and take them with you to visit your doctor.

Reading this article may also bring up questions of your own. If so, write them down, then ask your doctor or nurse; write down their answers so you can refer to them later. Read all you can about pregnancy. The more you know, the better and more amazing the experience.

Cover of Every Day Counts